Renewable Energy Sources and Rural Development in Developing Countries

Economic and geopolitical constraints on global nonrenewable energy supplies will force many nations, especially the developing countries, to accelerate their use of local renewable energy sources. This paper discusses some of the technical, economic, and socioeconomic aspects of the application of renewable (solar) energy sources for rural development in resource-poor population-rich developing countries. The possible role of educational institutions in the U.S. and in the developing countries in assisting in the successful introduction of solar technologies in rural areas is outlined. A selected bibliography is included for the benefit of readers interested in additional information on this important topic.